Sock monkeys!

nuttybabe

cute monkey Shelley. Those tags are really nice. would look lovely on the ones i am giving away for xmas (when i have time to make them!!!! lol) might have to get some. thanks.

Mim_D

Beautiful sock monkey once again Shelley - I wish I could stitch as neatly as you!! Do you have any secrets to share when it comes to stuffing the monkeys? Your monkeys always look so neat and professional, very impressive! Also, did you say previously that you buy the safety eyes from Ebay? I think they look nicer than the buttons I've been using but I have never used safety eyes before and couldn't find them in our local Dunelm.
Thanks again for the inspiration!!

nuttybabe

Kinski wrote: »

I've bought the stuff to try and make the sock monkeys but not had time to do one yet. I'm loving how they look and really want to make some for my grandbrats.




Do you have pound mania ( I think that's what it's called ) near you, I've bought that wool from them before.

thanks but i think that is the only pound shop i dont have!!! got enough to do the 2 or 3 more santas so should be ok.

Mim - if you do a search on ebay for safety eyes they will come up. i usually use 15mm for my normal sized ones. but you can get brilliant character eyes as well.

i got some lovely fluffy stuff for my santas coat today. much nicer than what i was going to buy and the same price. cant remember what she called it. will hopefully have chance to do the clothes tomorrow. and found some silver socks in poundland and sparkly red socks. made the silver ones up partly and they dont look good. bit dissapointed but dd likes it so that one might be her xmas eve hamper one!!! Will just give it some bling and she will be happy! :rotfl: Might use the red pair for clothes for another monkey.

Shelley3774

Mim_D wrote: »

Beautiful sock monkey once again Shelley - I wish I could stitch as neatly as you!! Do you have any secrets to share when it comes to stuffing the monkeys? Your monkeys always look so neat and professional, very impressive! Also, did you say previously that you buy the safety eyes from Ebay? I think they look nicer than the buttons I've been using but I have never used safety eyes before and couldn't find them in our local Dunelm.
Thanks again for the inspiration!!

Thanks so much Mim D. I don't have any secrets as such I just use cushion stuffing which I have via my Mum in huge bags as she works for an upholsterer. I just use a pen (minus the ink) as my stuffing tool and squash and shape until I'm happy. Sorry I can't explain it better than that lol.
I started buying my eyes in my local sewing shop but I really like the blue ones and I buy them from ebay. If you search on safety toy eyes there are loads on there. I have used buttons but wanted mine to look a bit different and I was nervous about the buttons coming loose.
I have to say tho it is a labour of love it takes me about 4 hrs to make a monkey now although when I started it was about 7+ so I am getting there

Mabel is currently on route via Royal Mail to my friend's house as a surprise - she is wrapped up with adoption certificate, handmade tag and a nice tub of minstrels ( my friends favourite) x

hogshead

Shelly do you have a blog/homepage? I don't know your FB like page either.

Shelley3774

hogshead wrote: »

Shelly do you have a blog/homepage? I don't know your FB like page either.

Hi Hogshead I did start a blog but it did my head in so I haven't bothered doing it lol...I will send you my FB details now x

Mim_D

Thank you for your advice Shelley. I have been using Dunelm stuffing however I'm not very happy with the result I've been achieving, hence the reason for me asking. I've now started making monkeys from girls socks (think they are size 9-12) rather than ladies socks which for me seem to be a better size. I must perservere - I'm determined to make one that I feel is good enough to give as a gift!

I will look for those safety eyes too, thanks also for your advice there too, you are very kind to share your tips!

Mim_D

Nuttybabe - thanks for the advice you gave about the safety eyes, much appreciated!

babyfreckles

Yet another lovely monkey there Shelley Yours do have that professional look I must say!

I just wanted to come on and tell everyone! I am amazed at how quick you can rustle up a monkey body on the sewing machine! I used to sew all mine by hand, and my OH kindly bought me a new machine for my birthday and I have been a bit scared to use it if I am honest! But yesterday I bit the bullet and have made 15 bodies, all stuff so far!

Do you all use sewing machines? Or sew by hand? I have been using the machine for the bodies and tails but to scared to do the arms and ears at the mo lol so they are hand stitched! xx

Shelley3774

Thank you babyfreckles - I sew all my skins up on the machine but I stitch them twice so takes a little bit longer to do. I sew all the limbs and face by hand so it is a bit time consuming but I could never sew all by hand it would take me all day lol x